Detective Chief Inspector Alistair Mallen said: "I'm sure anyone reading or hearing this will be absolutely appalled that a very young baby should have been placed in such a dangerous situation by these men.

"Thankfully, the baby did not suffer any major injuries but given that a knife was being brandished this is more by chance than design. Understandably, the family are extremely upset and want whoever is responsible locked up.

"I am urging anyone who has information to come forward. If you saw these men going into or out of the house, or saw a red hatchback being driven at speed, then please call us as your information could be crucial.

"Similarly, if you hear any gossip or rumours then please let us know because within those rumours could be vital information we need. With the community's help, we can find these men and put them behind bars and give this family some semblance of justice.

"I'm sure people in the community will be alarmed when they know what happened. I want to stress that incidents like this are very rare and extra officers will be patrolling the area in the coming days both to reassure people and try and establish the identity of the culprits."

The man holding the knife was described as white, about 6ft tall, of medium build and in his early to mid-20s. He had a stubbly complexion and was wearing a green hooded top pulled tightly around his face.